Background
He was a member of one of the noble families of the city, the son of Rosone di Monaldo, the brother of Favarone di Monaldo, who was the father of Saint Clare of Assisi.
He was a member of one of the noble families of the city, the son of Rosone di Monaldo, the brother of Favarone di Monaldo, who was the father of Saint Clare of Assisi.
He became one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. Sylvester was ordained a priest and became a canon of the Cathedral of San Rufino in Assisi. The story of his change of life is reported that, in 1209, he had initially sold some bricks to Francis, who, after his dramatic renunciation of his family, was on a campaign to repair the rural chapels around the city which had fallen into disrepair.
He later saw Francis with Bernard of Quintavalle, a local nobleman determined to follow Francis and his way of life, who was in the middle of giving away his entire fortune to the poor.
Falling prey to greed, Sylvester claimed that he had been paid too little for the bricks he had previously sold Francis and demanded a just compensation, which he was given. Sylvester later came to regret this spirit of greed he found in himself, and he too renounced his position and joined Francis, becoming the first priest in the primitive fraternity.
He was known in the Order for his strict observance of the life of poverty and contemplation. He often accompanied Francis during his preaching tours.
Once, in the city of Arezzo, it was claimed by the residents that Sylvester"s preaching and prayers brought peace to the city, which was falling prey to hatred and violence amongst its citizens.
Saint Bonaventure, in a special way, mentions the visions which Sylvester had concerning Francis. Sylvester died in Assisi in 1240. He is one of Francis" four original companions who are buried near his tomb in the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi.
The cause for his canonization was opened by the Friars Minor and has been accepted by the Holy See for further study.
